Chapter 237: An International Alliance [Bonus Chapter]

The Ace of Spades Guild's meeting room remained dimly lit, illuminated primarily by an enormous holographic screen.

Captain Armstrong was seated at the head of the main table, while James stood beside him, reviewing some digital documents.

Several days had passed since the last meeting with the country's major guilds.

During that time, the researchers had continued gathering information about the Antarctic dungeon, and as a result, an increasing number of international organizations had expressed interest in participating.

That afternoon, they had finally managed to arrange a meeting with several major representatives from Asia and Africa.

"Is everyone connected?" Armstrong asked.

"In a few seconds," James replied.

Shortly afterward, several holographic windows appeared on the screen. They displayed the faces of different people, each connected from a separate location.

Among the participants were representatives from major guilds in South Korea, Japan, China, India, and South Africa, along with others from countries that had requested to attend the meeting.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Armstrong began.

"Thank you for taking the time to participate. I assume you already know the reason for this meeting."

"It's hard to ignore a dungeon that could become the first SSS-Rank dungeon," one of the Asian representatives replied.

He was a middle-aged man with dark hair and a rather serious expression.

"That's precisely why we're here," James interjected.

"Over the past few days, we've managed to gather new data regarding the anomalies detected in Antarctica. I'd like to share it with everyone before we discuss our next steps."

With a movement of his hand, James activated the main screen.

A three-dimensional representation of the dungeon appeared before the participants. It was an enormous structure surrounded by various indicators displaying its energy levels.

"As you can see, the energy accumulation continues to increase. However, that's not the most concerning part."

The image changed, displaying various records of the dungeon's internal structure.

"The modifications aren't limited to its energy. The different areas and connections between sectors appear to be constantly reorganizing themselves."

A short-haired woman connected from Japan frowned.

"Are you saying the dungeon's structure is changing on its own?"

"Exactly," James replied.

"Our research teams have detected differences between records taken just a few hours apart. In other words, any map we manage to create could quickly become obsolete."

"That would make an expedition extremely difficult," another representative commented.

"Much more difficult than you can imagine," James continued.

"We still don't know the extent of these modifications. Nor can we determine when an evolution might occur."

The screen then displayed a graph containing various energy measurements.

"If our estimates are correct, there's a possibility that the dungeon could surpass SS-Rank. We might be facing the first SSS-Rank dungeon in our world."

For a few seconds, nobody said anything.

Although several participants had already heard about that possibility, seeing it represented through concrete data made the situation feel much more real.

"Have you considered the possibility that there's an error in your measurements?" asked a burly-looking man connected from South Africa.

"Of course," James replied.

"We've reviewed the records numerous times. We've also requested the assistance of other researchers to verify the results. We haven't found any indication of a technical malfunction."

"Then we have a considerable problem," the man muttered.

"One that we can't solve separately," Armstrong added.

The captain leaned slightly forward.

"That's why we believe a joint operation is necessary. If the dungeon continues evolving, no guild should attempt to explore it on its own."

"I agree," the South Korean representative replied.

"Our organization has already begun preparing a list of hunters who could participate."

"We have as well," the Japanese woman added.

"However, before sending our best teams, we need to understand the conditions inside the dungeon."

"That's precisely one of our biggest problems," James explained.

"We don't have enough information about how the anomalies are affecting the internal sectors."

The man who had previously spoken from South Korea interjected once again.

"Then I propose we send a reconnaissance team."

Several participants exchanged glances.

"A reconnaissance team?" Armstrong asked.

"That's right. A small group of experienced hunters who can enter the dungeon, gather information, and return with the data needed to organize the main expedition."

James remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"We're aware of the risks," the Asian representative added.

"If that dungeon really is evolving, sending hunters in without prior information would practically be sending them to their deaths. But we're willing to sacrifice a reconnaissance team if it means obtaining information that could save hundreds of hunters during the main operation."

His statement caused some discomfort among the participants.

"You speak rather casually about sacrificing hunters," the Japanese representative commented.

"I'm not saying we should deliberately send them to their deaths," the man replied.

"But we can't ignore the possibility that they might not return. If we wait until we have perfect information, it might already be too late."

"I understand your position," Armstrong interjected.

"However, we can't allow every organization to act independently. An uncoordinated expedition could create more problems than it would solve."

"I agree," another African representative replied.

"If we're going to conduct reconnaissance, it must be part of a joint plan. We can't risk having a team become isolated inside the dungeon while everyone else remains unaware of its situation."

James nodded.

"Furthermore, we need to establish a protocol for immediately sharing any information we obtain. Every piece of data could prove important to the other teams."

The discussion continued for several minutes.

Some representatives offered technological resources, while others proposed contributing hunters specialized in exploration and reconnaissance.

They also discussed the possibility of establishing an international communication system to keep all teams informed.

Finally, after exchanging various proposals, the participants reached an agreement.

Everyone was willing to cooperate in a joint expedition into the Antarctic dungeon.

Each organization would begin preparing its best hunters and make the necessary resources available. The date had yet to be determined, as they first needed to organize the reconnaissance mission and establish the conditions for the main operation.

"Then it's settled," Armstrong concluded.

"We'll maintain constant communication and share any relevant information we obtain. No guild should make important decisions without consulting the others first."

"Let's hope we have enough time to prepare," the Japanese representative commented.

"That's what we hope as well," James replied.

Shortly afterward, the holographic windows began disappearing one after another.

When the final connection closed, the room fell silent once again.

Armstrong leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh.

"At least we managed to get everyone to agree."

"Yes, although that doesn't mean it'll be easy," James replied as he deactivated the screen.

"Each organization will have its own interests. We'll have to make sure everyone honors the agreements."

"That's something we can deal with later. Right now, we need to focus on our own preparations."

James nodded.

"I was thinking the same thing."

Armstrong stood up from his chair and slowly walked toward one of the room's windows.

"If we're going to participate in an operation of this magnitude, we can't send incomplete teams. We need to gather our best hunters."

"Are you thinking about the six squads?"

"Exactly. All of them will have to participate."

James remained silent for a few seconds.

"That means we'll have to mobilize Wayne, Amber, Don Rouch, Timothy, Jane, and Liam."

"That's right. Each of them will have to prepare their respective teams and select the hunters best suited for this mission."

"And do you think they'll be ready in time?"

Armstrong gazed outside the building.

"I don't know. But I'd rather give them time to prepare than inform them when it's already too late."

James understood what he meant.

The six squads represented a significant portion of the Ace of Spades Guild's strength. Bringing them together for an operation of that magnitude would require reorganizing a large part of the guild's activities.

However, they didn't have many alternatives.

"I'll make sure to inform them of the decision," James said.

Armstrong nodded.

"I also want you to continue your research. We need to learn as much as possible about that dungeon before sending our hunters in."

"I will."

James began gathering his documents while Armstrong remained by the window.

Both of them knew that the meeting had marked the beginning of something much bigger.

The international operation was still in its early stages, but the preparations had already begun.